Roman Marbled Glass Flask w/ Great Iridescence

**Originally Listed At $600**

Roman, early Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A gorgeous, near-opaque flask made from vertically-arranged canes of yellow, yellow-green, and blue glass flowing throughout the drop-shaped body, tubular neck, and splayed rim. This type of ancient glass - known as "marbled," "color-band," or "mosaic" glass - is created through a process of casting and blowing which allows the artist to weave strands of different-colored glass throughout the composition. The slightly concave base and smooth pontil scar allow the vessel to rest upright. A lightly-indented neck gives the flask an elegant presentation, and wonderful iridescence in silver and rainbow hues provide a burst of color. Vessels like this example were used to contain scented oils or other precious liquids by the ancient Romans. Size: 1.375" W x 3" H (3.5 cm x 7.6 cm).

For a stylistically-similar example, please see "Solid Liquid: Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic Glass." Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd., New York, 1999, p. 54, fig. 75.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#142193
Condition Report: Repaired from several pieces with some small areas of restoration along the body and base. Minor nicks and abrasions to rim, neck, body, and base, and light weathering film. Light earthen deposits and fabulous silver and rainbow iridescence throughout.